Smiley, Shetler File For Milford Council Vacancy
December 29, 2023 at 5:55 p.m.
MILFORD – Two people have filed for the Milford Town Council vacancy.
The council position became vacant after Robert Cockburn resigned effective Dec. 31. Candidates for the Republican caucus Wednesday are James Smiley and Joseph Shetler.
James Smiley Smiley grew up in Cambridge City. He and wife Angela have lived in Milford since 2006. Both of his children went to Wawasee Community School Corporations and learned to budget at 16. Smiley said he manages his son’s business, Kyle’s Lawn Care. After leaving the RV business, Smiley opened Smiley’s Lawn Service.
He said managing two businesses will help in the town council position. He said for those who don’t have a business background may possibly find it easier to spend money. He said the town’s money could be spent better.
If elected, this would be Smiley’s first elected position with the town. He is part of the Lions Club and received the Lion of the Year Award last year.
He said he wants to represent the community. He hopes to bring different opinions to the council and listen to the community.
He also wants to see growth within Milford.
“I want people to want to come here,” he said.
Joseph Shetler. Shetler has lived in the Milford area for 50 years. Shetler was the town’s building commissioner. He’s also a retired heating and cooling technician and electrician.
He is on the board for the Milford Food Bank and was elected president. He has also served on various other committees.
He thinks he could be a good asset to the council and wants to bring an open-mindedness of how things work.
If elected, Shetler wants to bring a cooperative spirit to the council. He doesn’t want to fix what’s not broken, but said he does see some areas that need help. He also wants to help bring growth to Milford.
The caucus will be held in the Milford Town Council Chamber, 121 S. Main St., Milford, on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Eligible members of the caucus, by statutory definition, are the Republican precinct committee members of Van Buren Township who have served continuously, from 30 days prior to the date of the commencement of the caucus.
MILFORD – Two people have filed for the Milford Town Council vacancy.
The council position became vacant after Robert Cockburn resigned effective Dec. 31. Candidates for the Republican caucus Wednesday are James Smiley and Joseph Shetler.
James Smiley Smiley grew up in Cambridge City. He and wife Angela have lived in Milford since 2006. Both of his children went to Wawasee Community School Corporations and learned to budget at 16. Smiley said he manages his son’s business, Kyle’s Lawn Care. After leaving the RV business, Smiley opened Smiley’s Lawn Service.
He said managing two businesses will help in the town council position. He said for those who don’t have a business background may possibly find it easier to spend money. He said the town’s money could be spent better.
If elected, this would be Smiley’s first elected position with the town. He is part of the Lions Club and received the Lion of the Year Award last year.
He said he wants to represent the community. He hopes to bring different opinions to the council and listen to the community.
He also wants to see growth within Milford.
“I want people to want to come here,” he said.
Joseph Shetler. Shetler has lived in the Milford area for 50 years. Shetler was the town’s building commissioner. He’s also a retired heating and cooling technician and electrician.
He is on the board for the Milford Food Bank and was elected president. He has also served on various other committees.
He thinks he could be a good asset to the council and wants to bring an open-mindedness of how things work.
If elected, Shetler wants to bring a cooperative spirit to the council. He doesn’t want to fix what’s not broken, but said he does see some areas that need help. He also wants to help bring growth to Milford.
The caucus will be held in the Milford Town Council Chamber, 121 S. Main St., Milford, on Tuesday at 6 p.m.
Eligible members of the caucus, by statutory definition, are the Republican precinct committee members of Van Buren Township who have served continuously, from 30 days prior to the date of the commencement of the caucus.